About SwimWest Swim School
Founded in 1990, SwimWest Swim School offers one of the industry's most dynamic swim curriculums
in Dane County, and we are one of only three swim schools in Wisconsin approved by the United Swim School Association.
With our systematic approach to water education, we're able to track and acknowledge our students'
progress at each stage of development, offering the encouragement and training they need to be
safe and successful. We are proud to have now trained over 100,000 students!
But just as important as what we teach is what we believe.
At SwimWest, our philosophy is to provide all children, regardless of age, race, or special needs,
the best aquatic experience, to teach the necessary skills to be safe in the water, to nurture a love
of swimming, and to educate parents about water safety and the aquatic learning process.
Through it all, we work to develop each child’s self-esteem and feel that creating happy swimmers is a
gift that will last a lifetime.
Not only are we the only local swim school certified and approved by the elite United States Swim School
Association, we also are involved with the World Aquatic Baby Congress, the Safer Three program, and the
Safe Kids Coalition.
About Karen Kittelson
Founder & CEO
Karen Kittelson launched SwimWest School of Instruction in 1990. Though she started in hotel
pools and health clubs, she quickly grew her business to the point that the dream of opening
her own facility became a reality--SwimWest locations are now on Madison's West Side, East
Side, and Fitchburg.
Karen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in Sports Management and
Exercise Physiology. Since that time, the United States Swim School Association (USSSA)
has awarded her over 15 teaching awards, welcoming her as a member of their board of
directors on two separate occasions.
She is certified as an American Red Cross Instructor for CPR/First Aid, Oxygen Administration,
Blood borne Pathogens, Lifeguarding, Beachfront Lifeguarding, and Water Safety Instruction. Karen
is also a Certified Pool Operator, Certified Arthritic Water Aerobics Instructor, and has Infant/Toddler
Swim Instruction Certifications through the USSSA.
Karen is now invited to speak internationally on topics including swim school management, elite swim
instruction, customer service, and crisis management.
She lives in Middleton with her family and her dog, Tanner.
About Our Staff
USSSA, CPR, First Aid Certified
At SwimWest, we believe it's important for each member of our staff to not only be trained in the
latest techniques but also demonstrate compassion and patience for their students. Whether dealing
with a child’s first experience in the water or teaching advanced stroke techniques, our
instructors have the skill and understanding to make each trip to the pool a rewarding one.
All members of our staff belong to the United States Swim School Association (USSSA). In fact,
SwimWest is proud to be the only swim school in the Madison and Fitchburg area approved and certified
by this elite organization.
Our instructors are also certified by the USSSA in infant/child aquatics as well as CPR and First Aid
certified, many through the American Red Cross as Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards.
Each staff member, from the voice on the phone that schedules your swim lessons, to the lifeguard
that watches your child, to the teacher that brings the gift of swimming, is committed to making
your time at SwimWest an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
For manager bios, click below:
Madison West |
Madison East |
Fitchburg
Our Facilities
Madison West, Madison East, Fitchburg
SwimWest
was named "Best Facility" by the
Best of Aquatics International magazine for 2011!
 
 
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Here are just some of the benefits you'll enjoy when you
become a member of the SwimWest Family...
- 90* Indoor Warm Water Pools
- Certified Lifeguard on Duty
- Small Class Sizes (4:1 Ratio)
- Flexible Scheduling
- Homeschool Program
- Year-Round Lessons
- Family Swim and Lap Swim Times
- Special Needs Classes
- Birthday Parties
- Complete Locker Rooms
- Family-Friendly Changing Rooms
- On-Deck Showers
- Snack Bar
- Facility-Wide Music System
- Children’s Play Area
- Retail Shop
Also at Our Madison West Location
- Water Aerobic Classes for Adults and Seniors
- Fully-Equipped Workout Room
- Water Slide
Proudly Serving...
| Albany |
Arena |
Baraboo |
| Barneveld |
Belleville |
Black Earth |
| Brooklyn |
Cottage Grove |
Cross Plains |
| DeForest |
Edgerton |
Evansville |
| Hollandale |
Fitchburg |
Lake Mills |
| Madison |
Marshall |
Mazomanie |
| McFarland |
Monona |
Montrose |
| Mount Horeb |
New Glarus |
Oregon |
| Paoli |
Prairie Du Sac |
Sauk City |
| Spring Green |
Stoughton |
Sun Prairie |
| Verona |
Waunakee |
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